Serbia has a history of great players, with Nikola Jokic being one of the most famous examples. It is not just the NBA that wants them on their teams, but also NCAA squads, including Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies.
Serbian guard Uroš Paunović has now committed to play for UConn, and he will be joining its already loaded Class of 2025 freshmen.
This was first reported by DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony, who spoke with Paunović’s agent, Matija Mihailović regarding UConn’s latest addition to its roster. He used to play in the ABA League 2 and the Serbian KLS, playing for Serbian squad KK Zlatibor. He also previously represented Serbia at the FIBA U20 level.
NEWS: Serbian guard Uroš Paunović has committed to UConn, agent Matija Mihailović told DraftExpress.
The 6’4, 22-year-old played 22 minutes per game in ABA League 2 and the Serbian KLS for KK Zlatibor, representing Serbia at the FIBA U20 level. pic.twitter.com/6QuiJe2IGE
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) August 18, 2025
The 6’4″ point guard was described by Matija Mihailovic as a “versatile PG” with a very high IQ and is able to have an impact on any program. He averaged 9.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game during the previous KLS season, also averaging to play 22 minutes per game.
Uroš Paunović (2003), one of the best point guards in Europe just signed with NextUp and @WEAVE to explore his NCAA options!
Very high IQ and versatile PG able to impact at any program.
Averaged 9.2 ppg , 3 rpg & 2.5 apg in only 22 mpg this season in KLS. pic.twitter.com/W7ldjFDWpx— Matija Mihailovic (@mmihailovic13) June 11, 2025
Paunović will be the fifth freshman Dan Hurley has added to the roster, with an already-loaded freshman class that includes Braylon Mullins, Eric Reibe, Jacob Ross, and Jacob Furphy. The Serbian will not be the only European in the class, as he will be joined by Reibe, who is originally from Germany and represented his country in FIBA play, though Reibe played high school basketball in the US.
Dan Hurley Expresses Interest in Coaching in Europe
After adding two Europeans to his team from the Class of 2025, UConn head coach Dan Hurley hinted at possibly coaching in Europe. Although, Hurley has no plans to coach professional basketball but has left the door open, specifically for the EuroLeague.
“When UConn’s had enough of me, maybe, maybe I’ll coach in the EuroLeague or something, you know, when I’m 60 or whatever and, you know, I want to try something else maybe at that point in my career or whatever. Maybe I end up, you know, coaching in the EuroLeague or something,” he said.
Hurley has led the Huskies to a national title, but still has plenty to prove at the college level. While there are talks that he could coach in the NBA, he is sticking with the Huskies for now.
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